At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of Technical Managers to ensure product quality and safety.
- Company: Join Waitrose, known for its commitment to excellence and quality in products.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary between £75,800 and £121,000 with hybrid working options.
- Other info: Position based at the Bracknell head office with interviews scheduled for late June.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Waitrose's brand through technical innovation and leadership.
- Qualifications: Must have a Food Science degree, HACCP Level 3, and recent technical experience.
The predicted salary is between 75800 - 121000 £ per year.
About the role
We are looking for a visionary Category Technical Manager to lead a team of Technical Managers / Technologists in safeguarding Waitrose's reputation for excellence. You will oversee the safety, legality, and quality of our products while driving technical innovation and product development. If you are an inspiring leader with a passion for provenance and cross‑functional collaboration, we invite you to help us elevate our standards and shape the future of our brand.
Salary - £75,800- £121,000
Contract type - Permanent (two positions)
Working pattern/flexible working - Hybrid approach, 3 days a week in‑person for the Waitrose Own Brand Team, with flexibility for home office and supplier visits.
Location - Bracknell Head office
Interviews - End of June / Early July
Key responsibilities
- Responsible for leading a team of expert Technical Managers and Technologists in the technical management of a defined range of new and existing Waitrose products and their manufacture (at external manufacturers and/or farms) to ensure quality, safety, legality, compliance to relevant brand standards and provenance of those products and their components.
- Manage and deliver product development programmes; secure and develop the brand reputation of Waitrose.
- Identify and implement technical innovation within the department and supply chain to drive improved business efficiency and growth.
- Develop and implement technical and sourcing standards that maintain and enhance the Waitrose and Partners Brand reputation.
- Lead and manage a team of Technical Managers and Technologists to reach their full potential and be a role model for our Partnership values.
- Facilitate cross‑functional working across category PODs, demonstrating appropriate stakeholder engagement.
Essential skills / experience you'll need
- Relevant Food Science degree or equivalent formal qualification.
- HACCP Level 3 and Lead Auditor training.
- Relevant specialist training e.g., allergens, microbiology, pesticide management, cosmetics.
- Current (within last 12 months) extensive technical experience within the food or non‑food industry.
- Recent experience in line management of a team and driving improvement through data‑driven insights.
Category Technical Manager in Bracknell employer: Waitrose & Partners
Waitrose is dedicated to maintaining high standards in food safety and quality. Located in Bracknell, the company offers a hybrid working model and values cross-functional collaboration. Join a team that prioritises technical innovation and brand reputation.
